You may be wondering how much it will cost a locksmith to make a new car key for you. The good news is that the cost is usually quite affordable, and you can save money by making your own key. If you only have one working key, you should consider making a duplicate to avoid being stranded. But be prepared to pay anything from two to a hundred dollars extra. Here are a few ways to save money on this emergency service.

If you’ve accidentally broken your existing key and cannot open your car, a locksmith can make a duplicate using the key that’s currently inside the car. The cost of this process will vary depending on your model and style, but the cost is generally less than making a new key from scratch. If you’re not sure whether a key is already inside your car, you can also find a locksmith who makes keys from existing keys, which usually costs about $10 to $50.

Once you know how much to pay, you can choose an automotive locksmith in your area. The service will depend on the type of vehicle you have, but most will offer fast turnaround. Once you’ve selected a locksmith, be sure to ask for an invoice so you’ll know that the service was completed correctly. When you decide to make the repair yourself, you’ll have fewer complications. And remember: it’s best to contact a locksmith before attempting to fix your car key problem on your own.

Some locksmiths will make keys for transponder keys. These are keys with a computer chip embedded in the top. You have to program the transponder chip in the key before it can start the vehicle. Locksmiths should have programming equipment. The price may vary, but it’s typically ten to twenty percent less expensive than a dealership. It will save you hundreds of dollars if you can make a spare transponder key for your car.

The cost of an automotive locksmith to make a new car key depends on the type of car you own. Some car models are so complicated that the only way to program them is to have a car that has been designed with a special computer. To do this, the locksmith must use a special computer called a “scan tool” to communicate with the car’s computer. A locksmith will need to check the ownership of the car before they can program the new car key.

Another thing to consider when choosing a locksmith is whether or not the locksmith is part of AAA. If so, you may be eligible for a reimbursement if you lost your car keys. If you have insurance, call your insurance company or your roadside assistance company to see if they have a list of approved locksmiths in your area. If the car has been changed, however, this may prevent the locksmith from making a new key, and will increase the cost.